JP4938799B2 - Footwear having a fluid-filled chamber with a bending zone - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a fluid-filled chamber with one or more flexion zones. The flexion zones may be areas of the chamber where a tensile element, for example, is absent, or the flexion zones may be areas of the chamber where opposite surfaces of the chamber are bonded together. The footwear may also include a sole structure with a flexion zone, and the flexion zone of the chamber may be aligned with the flexion zone of the sole structure.

Description

  A conventional athletic shoe includes two main elements, an upper (upper part) and a sole (bottom structure). The upper receives the foot securely and positions the foot with respect to the sole. In addition, the upper has a configuration in which the foot is protected and breathable, thereby cooling the foot and allowing sweat to escape. The sole is fixed to the lower surface of the upper and is positioned between the foot and the ground to reduce the ground reaction force. Further, the sole may provide static friction to suppress foot movement such as excessive pronation. Therefore, the upper and the sole cooperate to provide a comfortable structure suitable for various walking activities such as walking and running.

  Athletic shoe soles generally provide an insole (insole) that enhances comfort, an elastic midsole (insole) formed from a polymer foam, and provides both wear resistance and static friction, making contact with the ground It has a layer structure including an outsole (outer bottom). Polymer foam materials suitable for the midsole include ethyl vinyl acetate and polyurethane that elastically compress and reduce ground reaction force when loaded. Conventional polymer foam materials, in part, include a plurality of open or closed cells that define an internal volume that is substantially displaced by gas, and are elastically compressible. is there. That is, the polymer foam includes a plurality of bubbles that enclose a gas. However, repeated compression can degrade the cell structure, resulting in a decrease in the compressibility of the foam. For this reason, the reaction force reduction characteristic of the midsole may decrease with the years of use of the athletic shoes.

  One method for reducing the influence of deterioration after repeated compression by reducing the weight of a polymer foam midsole is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. In the method of Patent Document 1, cushioning is provided by a fluid-filled chamber formed from an elastomer material. The chamber includes a plurality of tubular chambers extending longitudinally along the length of the sole. The chambers are in fluid communication with each other and extend integrally over the entire width of the shoe.

Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 below, the chamber may be sealed in a polymer foam material. The combination of chamber and polymer foam material serves as a midsole. Thus, the upper is attached to the upper surface of the polymer foam material and the outsole is attached to the lower surface.
This type of chamber is generally formed of an elastomeric material and is configured with an upper portion and a lower portion that enclose one or more chambers therebetween. The chamber is pressurized to a pressure above atmospheric pressure by inserting a nozzle or needle connected to a fluid pressure source into an inlet formed in the chamber. After pressurizing the chamber, the inlet is sealed and the nozzle is removed.

A fluid-filled chamber suitable for a shoe may be manufactured by a dual membrane technique in which two separate elastomeric films are formed to exhibit the full circumference of the chamber. The sheets are then laminated along their respective peripheries to form a sealed structure, and the sheets are also joined in a predetermined interior region to provide the chamber with the desired configuration. That is, a predetermined shape and size are given to the chamber by internal bonding. Such chambers are also produced by a blow molding technique in which a tubular elastomeric material that has been melted or otherwise softened is placed in a mold having the overall shape and configuration of the chamber. The mold has an opening for supplying pressurized air at one location. Due to the pressurized air, the liquefied elastomer material becomes conformal to the inner shape of the mold. The elastomeric material is then cooled to form a chamber having the desired shape and configuration.
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According to one aspect of the present invention, footwear includes an upper (skin part) and a sole structure fixed to the upper, and the sole structure includes a midsole element and a fluid filling chamber. The midsole element defines a first midsole portion and a second midsole portion separated by a midsole flexion zone, wherein the first midsole portion is the first midsole portion in the midsole flexion zone; The midsole bending zone is a sipe extending over at least one half of the distance from the lower surface to the upper surface of the midsole element, The sole element defines a recess in the upper surface, the fluid-filled chamber is disposed within the recess, and is disposed in the chamber bending zone. A first chamber portion and a second chamber portion separated from each other, wherein the first chamber portion is rotatable with respect to the second chamber portion in the chamber bending zone; The chamber portion is coupled to the first midsole portion, the second chamber portion is coupled to the second midsole portion, and the chamber bending zone is aligned with the midsole bending zone. And at least one first portion of the midsole bending zone and at least one first portion of the chamber bending zone extend in a longitudinal direction of the footwear, and a plurality of the midsole bending zones The second portion of the footwear and the plurality of second portions of the chamber bending zone extend between an inner portion and an outer portion of the footwear.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides footwear having an upper and a sole structure fixed to the upper, wherein the sole structure includes a midsole element and a chamber, and the midsole element includes A plurality of sipes formed at least in part from a polymer foam material and extending upwardly from a lower surface of the midsole element into the polymer foam material to form a midsole bend line in the midsole element; The sipe defines a plurality of individually separated sole elements separated by the sipe, the upper surface of the midsole element has a recess defined therein, and the chamber is disposed within the recess. And opposite to a first surface that is bonded together along the periphery of the chamber and that defines a peripheral bond and seals fluid within the chamber. And an outer barrier having a second surface, wherein the chamber includes a plurality of internal joints wherein the first surface is joined to the second surface, at least a portion of the internal joints of the sipe. A first sipe extending in at least a portion of the length of the sole structure, and an inner portion of the sole structure A plurality of second sipes extending laterally from the outer portion to the outer portion, the chamber having a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion separated by a chamber bending zone; At least one first portion of the chamber bending zone extends in the longitudinal direction of the footwear, and a plurality of second portions of the chamber bending zone are between the inner and outer portions of the footwear. Extend Is a footwear characterized by Rukoto.
Viewed from yet another aspect, the present invention is an article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the sole structure comprising a midsole element and a sealed fluid filling chamber. The midsole element includes a plurality of sole elements and a connection portion, the sole element extending downward from the connection portion and extending upward from a lower surface of the midsole element into the sole structure. A plurality of sipes, wherein the plurality of sipes are oriented longitudinally relative to the footwear and extend over at least a portion of the length of the sole structure; and an inner portion to an outer portion of the sole structure A plurality of second sipes extending laterally to the sealed fluid-fill chamber is disposed on an upper surface of the midsole element; and And an outer barrier having a second surface on the opposite side, the chamber facing in the longitudinal direction and extending laterally with a first joint disposed on the upper side of the first sipe. A plurality of second junctions disposed on top of the plurality of second sipes, wherein the chamber comprises a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion separated by a chamber bending zone And at least one first portion of the chamber bending zone extends in the longitudinal direction of the footwear, and a plurality of second portions of the chamber bending zone include the inner portion of the footwear and The footwear extends between the outer portions.
Footwear, the upper (instep portion) may have a sole structure secured to the upper, in this case, the sole structure may include a midsole element and a fluid-filled chamber. In this case, the midsole element may define a first midsole portion and the second midsole portion separated by a midsole flexion zone, in this case, the first midsole portion wherein or I rotatable der respect to the second midsole portion at the midsole flexion zone. In this case, the chamber may have a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion separated by the chamber flexion zone, in this case, the first chamber portion is the second in the chamber flexion zone or I rotatable der respect of the chamber portion. In this case, the first chamber portion may be coupled to the first midsole portion, in this case, the second chamber portion may be coupled to the second midsole portion, In this case, the chamber bending zone may be aligned with the midsole bending zone. In this case, at least one first part of the midsole bending zone and at least one first part of the chamber bending zone may extend in the longitudinal direction of the footwear, in which case the midsole The plurality of second portions of the bending zone and the plurality of second portions of the chamber bending zone may extend between an inner portion and an outer portion of the footwear.

Footwear may possess an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, in this case, the sole structure may include a chamber having an outer barrier, and a tensile member. In this case, the outer barrier is joined together along the periphery of the chamber, and has a first surface that defines a peripheral bond and seals fluid in the chamber, and an opposite second surface. It may be . In this case, the tension member is positioned in the outer barrier and bonded to the first surface and the second surface, and the first surface and the second surface caused by the pressure of the fluid You may suppress outward movement. In this case, the tension member may have a first portion and a second portion separated by a chamber flexion zone, in this case, the tension at least part of the member Do present in the bent portion You may leave . In this case, wherein the first surface and the second surface, said at least partially been joined together between said first and second portions of the chamber flexion zone and said tension member Also good . In this case, the sole structure may include a midsole element that defines a first midsole portion and a second midsole portion separated by a midsole bending zone. In this case, at least one first part of the midsole bending zone and at least one first part of the chamber bending zone may extend in the longitudinal direction of the footwear, in which case the midsole The plurality of second portions of the bending zone and the plurality of second portions of the chamber bending zone may extend between an inner portion and an outer portion of the footwear.

The novel advantages and features that characterize the various aspects of the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, to further understand these novel advantages and features, reference may be made to the following description and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to aspects of the invention.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

  The following description and accompanying drawings disclose footwear 10 according to aspects of the present invention. The footwear 10 is illustrated as having a configuration suitable for exercise, particularly running, and will be described below. However, the concepts disclosed with respect to footwear 10 may apply to footwear specifically designed for a wide range of other athletic activities, including, for example, basketball, baseball, football, soccer, walking, and hiking, and various It may be applied to non-motor activities. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the concepts disclosed herein may be applied to a wide range of footwear and are not limited to the specific embodiments described and illustrated below.

  The footwear 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 includes an upper (skin part) 20 and a sole (bottom structure) 30. The upper 20 is composed of various material elements that are sewn or adhesively bonded to comfortably receive the foot and form an internal space that securely positions the foot relative to the sole 30. The sole 30 is fixed to the lower part of the upper 20, and is a durable and wear-resistant component for reducing reaction force and absorbing energy (ie, providing cushioning properties) when the footwear 10 hits the ground. Provide.

  For reference, the footwear 10 may be divided into three general regions defined in FIGS. 1 and 2, namely the forefoot region 11, the midfoot region 12, and the heel region 13. The footwear 10 also includes an inner portion 14 and an opposite outer portion 15. Regions 11-13 and sides 14-15 are not intended to set a strict region segment of footwear 10. Regions 11-13 and sides 14-15 are intended to represent general regions of footwear 10 that provide a reference framework in the following description. Regions 11-13 and sides 14-15 generally apply to footwear 10, but regions 11-13 and sides 14-15 in particular are upper 20, sole 30, or individual within upper 20 or sole 30. It also applies to components or parts.

  Various materials suitable for upper 20 include those used in conventional footwear uppers. Thus, the upper 20 may be formed from a combination of leather, synthetic leather, natural or synthetic fiber material, polymer sheet, polymer foam, mesh fabric, felt fabric, non-woven polymer material, or rubber material, for example. The exposed portion of the upper 20 consists of two coextensive material layers that are stitched or adhesively bonded. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4A, these layers include an outer layer 21 and an adjacent inner layer 22. The outer layer 21 is disposed on the outer side of the upper 20, and the inner layer 22 is disposed on the inner side of the upper 20 to constitute the surface of the inner space of the upper 20.

  The outer layer 21 includes a plurality of cuts 23 that expose the base portion of the inner layer 22. By exposing the inner layer 22, the stretchability of the upper 20 is selectively changed. In the region where the cuts 23 are present, the layers 21 and 22 both impart stretch resistance to the upper 20. However, in the region where the cut 23 exists, the outer layer 21 can be expanded more greatly by the cut 23. Therefore, the cut 23 is formed in the upper 20 to selectively change the degree of expansion in a specific portion of the upper 20. Further, the cut 23 may be used to change the air permeability, flexibility, and overall aesthetics (for example, color) of the upper 20.

  The sole 30 includes an insole (inner bottom) 31, a midsole (intersole) 32, and an outsole (outer bottom) 33. The insole 30 is disposed in the upper 20 so as to be in contact with the sole (lower) surface and enhance the comfort of the footwear 10. The midsole 32 is fixed to the lower portion of the upper 20 and is arranged to extend under the foot when in use. The midsole 32 also has the purpose of reducing the reaction force of the ground during walking or running, for example. Suitable materials for the midsole 32 include any conventional polymer foam used for footwear midsole, such as ethyl vinyl acetate and polyurethane foam. Midsole 32 may be formed from a relatively lightweight polyurethane foam having a specific gravity of about 0.22, such as that manufactured by Bayer AG under the trade name BAYFLEX. The outsole 33 is fixed to the lower surface of the midsole 32 to provide wear resistance. The outsole 33 may be embedded in the midsole 32. The outsole 33 may extend across the entire lower surface of the midsole 32, but is located within the heel portion 13 in the particular embodiment illustrated. Suitable materials for the outsole 33 include any conventional rubber material used for footwear, such as carbon black rubber compound.

  A conventional footwear midsole is a one-piece polymer foam structure that extends over the entire length of the foot, and may be said to have rigidity and inflexibility to suppress the natural movement of the foot. However, in this embodiment, unlike the conventional footwear midsole, the midsole 32 has a segmented structure that imparts relatively high flexibility and segmentation. The flexible structure (combined with the structure of the upper 20) of the midsole 32 is configured to complement the natural movement of the foot during running and other activities, giving the feeling or sensation of running barefoot Sometimes. However, unlike barefoot running, the midsole 32 reduces ground reaction and reduces overall pressure on the foot.

  The midsole 32 includes a connecting portion 40 and a sipe (narrow groove) forming portion 50. The connecting portion 40 forms an upper surface 41 and an opposite lower surface 42. The upper surface 41 may be disposed adjacent to the upper 20 and may be directly fixed to the upper 20 to support the foot. Accordingly, the upper surface 41 may be contoured with a natural and anatomical shape of the foot. For this reason, the part arrange | positioned in the heel area | region 31 in the upper surface 41 may be higher than the upper surface 41 part in the front area | region 11. FIG. In addition, the upper surface 41 may form a region that supports the arch in the midfoot region 12, and a peripheral region of the upper surface 41 may be generally raised to receive a foot and to be seated. In a further embodiment, the upper surface 41 may have a configuration without an outline.

  The sipe forming part 50 forms a plurality of sole elements 51 separated by a plurality of sipes 52 to 52l and individually separated. The sole element 51 is an individually separated portion of the midsole 30 that extends downward from the connection portion 40. Further, the sole element 51 is fixed to the connection portion 40 and may be formed from a single (ie, an integral) structure having the connection portion 40. The shape of each sole element 51 is determined by the positions of the various sipes 52a to 52l. As shown in FIG. 6, the sipes 52a and 52b extend in the vertical direction along the sole 30, and the sipes 52c to 52l extend in a substantially horizontal direction. When the sipes 52a to 52l are arranged in this manner, most of the sole element 51 has a substantially square, rectangular, or trapezoidal shape. Each sole element 51 at the rear end has a quarter circle shape due to the curvature of the sole 30 in the heel region 13.

  As described above, the shape of each sole element 51 is determined by the positions of the various sipes 52a to 52l. The sipes 52a to 52l extend upward into the midsole 32 and are cuts or spaces extending between the sole elements 51. is there. In general, the sipes 52 a-52 l may extend over at least one half of the distance between the lower surface and the upper surface 41 of the sole element 51. That is, the sipes 52a-52l may be recesses or cuts in the midsole 32 that extend over at least one-half of the thickness of the midsole 32. However, depending on the embodiment, the sipes 52a to 52l may extend less than half the thickness of the midsole 32.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7G, the sipes 52 a to 52 l increase the flexibility of the sole 30 by forming a segmented structure in the midsole 32. While the midsole of a conventional footwear is a single element of polymer foam, the sipes 52a-52l form a bend line in the sole 30 and thus affect the bend direction of the midsole 32. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the sole 30 is bent or segmented as a result of providing the sipes 52a to 52l.

  The lateral flexibility of the sole 30 (that is, the flexibility in the direction extending between the outer portion and the inner portion) is provided by the sipes 52a and 52b. The sipe 52a penetrates all three regions 11 to 13 in the vertical direction. The sipe 52a may have a straight or linear shape, but the sipe 52a is illustrated as having a generally curved shape or S-shape. In the forefoot region 11 and the midfoot region 12, the sipe 52a is disposed inward from the outer side of the sole 30, and in the heel region 13, the sipe 52a is located in the center. The sipe 52b located only in a part of the forefoot region 11 and the middle foot region 12 is located in the center and extends in a direction substantially parallel to the sipe 52a. Generally, the depth of the sipes 52a and 52b increases as the sipes 52 and 52b extend from the forefoot region 11 to the heel region 13.

  The longitudinal flexibility of the sole 30 (that is, the flexibility in the direction extending between the regions 11 and 13) is provided by the sipes 52c to 52l. The sipes 52c to 52f are disposed in the forefoot region 11, and the sipe 52g extends substantially along a boundary surface between the forefoot region 11 and the midfoot region 12. The sipes 52h and 52i are disposed in the midfoot region 12, and the sipes 52j extend substantially along the boundary surface between the midfoot region 12 and the heel region 13. The sipes 52k and 52l are arranged in the heel region 13. Referring to FIG. 6, the sipes 52i to 52l are substantially parallel and extend in a direction from the inner side to the outer side. The sipes 52c to 52h also have a substantially parallel shape and extend in the direction from the inner side to the outer side, but the sipes 52c to 52h are somewhat angled with respect to the sipes 52i to 52l. .

  The position and orientation of sipes 52a-521 are selected to complement the natural movement of the foot during the running cycle. In general, the movement of the foot during running proceeds as follows. First, landing from the heel, then the rounded and swollen part of the foot. As the heel leaves the ground, the foot curls forward and the toes touch. Finally, the entire foot leaves the ground and begins another cycle. While the foot is in contact with the ground, the foot usually rolls from the outside or outside to the inside or inside, and this process is called pronation. That is, usually the landing is first from the outside of the heel, and the toes on the inside of the foot finally leave the ground. The sipes 52c to 52l ensure that the foot is in a neutral landing position and complement forward rounding in the neutral position of the foot when the foot is in contact with the ground. Sipes 52a and 52b provide lateral flexibility so that the foot can naturally pronate during the running cycle. Similarly, as described above, the angled configuration of sipes 52c-52h provides additional flexibility that further enhances the natural movement of the foot.

  In order to enable bending in the reverse direction in the forefoot region 11, the sipe 52e has a wider width than the other sipes 52a to 52d and the sipes 52f to 53l. As shown in FIG. 5, the sipes 52 a-52 l generally allow the sole 30 to bend upward. To provide additional static friction at the end of the running cycle (ie, before the toes leave the ground), some people may bend the toes toward the sole or press the toes into the ground. The wider side of the sipe 52e facilitates the flexion of the sole and consequently promotes the natural movement of the foot during running. That is, the sipe 52e forms a groove for bending in the reverse direction in the midsole 32. Depending on the embodiment, two or more of the sipes 52c to 52g may exhibit wider sides that facilitate bending in the reverse direction.

  The outsole 33 includes a plurality of outsole elements fixed to the lower surface of each selected sole element 51, and a recess is formed on the lower surface of each selected sole element 51 to receive the outsole element. To do. As shown in the figure, the outsole 33 is limited to the heel region 31. However, depending on the embodiment, each sole element 51 may be associated with the outsole element, or the outsole 33 may extend over the entire lower surface of the midsole 32.

  Several manufacturing methods are suitable for forming the midsole 32. For example, the sipe 52a to 52l may be formed by a cutting process after the midsole 32 is formed as a single element. Further, the midsole 32 may be molded, and the sipes 52a to 52l may be formed during the molding. Suitable molding methods for the midsole 32 include, for example, injection molding, cast molding, or compression molding. In each molding method, the blown polymer resin is poured into a mold having the same shape and configuration as the midsole 32. The mold includes blades corresponding to the positions of sipes 52a-52l. The polymer resin is poured into the mold and is located around each blade. During curing, the midsole 32 is removed from the mold along with the sipes 52a-52l formed during the molding process. The width of the sipes 52a to 52l may be adjusted by changing the thickness of the blade in the mold. Thus, for example, the reverse bendability of the sipe 52e may be adjusted via the thickness of the blade forming the sipe 52e, and the degree to which the other sipes 52a-52d and 52f-521 are bent in the reverse direction, It may be adjusted via the thickness of the corresponding blade. A suitable width range for the blades forming the sipes 52a-52d and 52f-521 is 0.2-0.3 mm, which provides a relatively small reverse bend. Similarly, a suitable width range of the mold part forming the sipe 52e is, for example, 3 to 5 mm, which gives a larger reverse bending.

  The upper 20 and the sole 30 have a structure that flexes, stretches, or moves cooperatively to give a person a feeling of running naturally and barefoot. That is, the upper 20 and the sole 30 are configured to compensate for the natural movement of the foot during running or other activities. As described above, the outer layer 14 includes a plurality of cuts 23 that enhance the extensibility of the upper 20 in specific areas and in specific directions. The position, orientation, and depth of the sipes 52a-521 are selected to provide a particular flexibility in a particular region and in a particular direction. That is, the sipes 52a to 52l may be used to give a person a feeling of running with bare feet. However, unlike barefoot running, the sole 30 reduces ground reaction forces and reduces overall pressure on the foot.

  As described above, it can be said that the conventional sole has a relatively rigid or inflexible configuration that suppresses the natural movement of the foot. For example, during the stage of a running cycle, when the heel leaves the ground, the foot may try to bend. The combination of a non-flexible midsole structure and a conventional heel counter acts to resist foot flexion. In contrast, the footwear 10 may be configured to bend with the foot and not incorporate a conventional heel counter.

  Other configurations of the sole 30 are shown in FIGS. Unlike the configuration previously described, FIGS. 8-11D illustrate that the midsole 32 includes a fluid filled chamber 60 that enhances the ground reaction force mitigation characteristics of the sole 30. The polymer foam material of the midsole 32 is illustrated as defining a recess in the top surface 41 that receives the chamber 60. Alternatively, chamber 60 may be replaced with insole 31, chamber 60 may be placed on top surface 41, or a polymer foam material may seal chamber 60. Thus, various techniques may be used to incorporate the chamber 60 into the sole 30.

  The main elements of the chamber 60 are the outer barrier 70 and the tension member 80. The barrier 70 may be formed from a polymeric material and includes a first barrier layer 71 and a second barrier layer 72 that are substantially impermeable to the pressurized fluid contained by the chamber 60. The first barrier 71 and the second barrier 72 form a peripheral joint 73 in which the peripheral edges are joined to each other, and form a sealing element in which the tension member 80 is disposed in cooperation. The first barrier layer 71 forms the upper surface of the chamber 60, and the second barrier layer 72 forms the lower surface of the chamber 60. Both barrier layers 71 and 72 constitute part of the side wall surface of the chamber 60. With this configuration, the peripheral joint 73 is disposed at a position between the upper surface and the lower surface of the chamber 60. Therefore, the peripheral junction 73 may penetrate the sidewall surface such that the first barrier layer 71 and the second barrier layer 72 both form part of the sidewall surface. Alternatively, the peripheral joint 73 may be disposed adjacent to one of the upper surface and the lower surface to enhance visibility over the side wall surface. Therefore, the specific configuration of the barrier 70 may change significantly. In addition to the peripheral joint 73, the barrier 70 defines a plurality of bent joints 74 located inward of the peripheral joint 73.

  The tension member 80 includes a first wall 81, a second wall 82, and a plurality of connection members 83 fixed to both the first wall 81 and the second wall 82. It may be configured as a plurality of individual elements having a fiber structure. The first wall 81 is spaced apart from the second wall, and the connecting member 83 extends between the first wall 81 and the second wall, and the first wall 81 and the second wall An almost constant interval is maintained between As will be described in more detail below, the first wall 81 is bonded to the first barrier layer 71 and the second wall 82 is bonded to the second barrier layer 72. In this configuration, the pressurized fluid in the chamber 60 applies an outward force to the barrier layers 71 and 72 and attempts to move the barrier layers 71 and 72 apart. However, the outward force applied by the pressurized fluid elongates the connecting member 83 into a tensile state, and thus prevents the barrier layers 71 and 72 from moving further outward. Thus, the tension member 80 is adhered to the inner surface of the chamber 60 to limit the risk of the barrier layers 71 and 72 moving away from each other when the chamber 60 is pressurized.

  Various techniques may be used to bond the tension member 80 to the first barrier layer 71 and the second barrier layer 72, respectively. For example, a heat activated flux layer may be applied to one barrier layer 71 and second barrier layer 72. The flux is a sheet of thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, which may be heated and placed in pressure contact with the barrier layers 71 and 72 prior to placing the tension member 80 between the barrier layers 71 and 72. . The various elements of chamber 60 are then heat compressed so that the flux adheres to barrier layers 71 and 72, thereby adhering tension member 80 to barrier 70. Alternatively, a plurality of molten filaments may be integrated with the first wall 81 and the second wall 82. The molten filament is made of a material that melts and adheres or adheres to the barrier layers 71 and 72 when the various components of the chamber 60 are heat compressed together. Accordingly, suitable materials for the molten filament include any of the materials described below as suitable materials for the thermoplastic polyurethane or barrier layers 71 and 72. During the manufacturing process of the tension member 80, the molten filaments may be woven or mechanically incorporated into the walls 81 and 82, or the molten filaments may be later incorporated into the walls 81 and 82.

  The tension member 80 includes a plurality of individual elements that correspond in position to the sole 51 of the midsole 32. More specifically, the individual elements of the tension member 80 are shaped so as to substantially correspond to the sole element 51 and are located above the sole element 51. Flex joint 74 extends between the individual elements of tension member 80 and corresponds in position to the various sipes 51a-521. One advantage of the flex joint 74 is that the chamber 60 tends to bend or curve along the various lines defined by the flex joint 74. That is, the bending joint 74 forms a region in the chamber 60 that is more flexible than the other regions of the chamber 60. Thus, at the time of bending, the portions in the chamber 60 that contain the various individual elements of the tension member 80 will bend together along the line defined by the bending joint 74. Depending on the configuration of the chamber 60, the individual elements of the tension member 80 may exhibit different thicknesses and vary the thickness of the chamber 60 in different regions. For example, the region of chamber 60 corresponding to the foot arch may be thicker than the other regions.

  The sipes 52a-521 define various bend regions or zones in the sole 30. As described above, the position, direction, and depth of sipes 52a-52l are selected to provide specific flexibility in the selected region and direction, making sipes 52a-52l natural to humans. It may be used to give you the feeling of running barefoot. The flex bond 74 facilitates this effect by increasing the flexibility of the chamber 60 in the region corresponding to the sipes 52a-521. Further, the sipes 52a and 52b are substantially parallel to each other, and the bending joints 74 corresponding to the sipes 52a and 52b are also substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the sipes 52c-521 are substantially parallel to each other, and the flexure joints 74 corresponding to the sipes 52c-521 are also substantially parallel to each other.

  The portion including the tension member 80 in the chamber 60 includes seven material layers, that is, a first barrier layer 71, a flux adjacent to the first barrier layer 71, a first wall 81, a connection member 83, and a second wall. 82, the flux adjacent to the second barrier layer 72, and the second barrier layer 72. In order to bend these portions when the chamber 60 is pressurized or expanded, any of the seven material layers (potentially excluding the connecting layer 83) must stretch or compress in response to the bending force. On the other hand, the portion of the chamber 60 corresponding to the bending junction 74 is effectively composed of two material layers, that is, the first barrier layer 71 and the second barrier layer 72. Only the barrier layers 71 and 72 must be stretched or compressed in response to the bending force to bend this portion. Therefore, a portion corresponding to the bending joint 74 in the chamber 60 has a higher flexibility because the number of materials of the bending joint 74 is small.

  The flex joint 74 may include various gaps that allow fluid in the chamber 60 to circulate throughout the chamber 60. That is, each region of the chamber 60 that includes individual elements of the tension member 80 may be in fluid communication. The fluid pressure in this configuration is substantially equal in each region of the chamber 60. Alternatively, the flex joint 74 may prevent fluid communication between various regions of the chamber 60. For example, the flex joint 74 may constitute various subchambers, each corresponding to an individual element of the tension member 80, or may separate each region of the chamber 60 corresponding to regions 11-13. One advantage of preventing fluid communication between the various regions of the chamber 60 is that the initial pressure in each region may be different. For example, each portion of the chamber 60 in the forefoot region 11 and the heel region 13 may have a higher fluid pressure than a portion in the midfoot region 12.

  The material forming the barrier 70 may be a polymer material such as a thermoplastic elastomer. More specifically, a material suitable for the barrier 70 is a film formed by alternately laminating thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer as disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4, respectively. is there. As one variation of this material, the central layer is formed of an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, two layers adjacent to the central layer are formed of thermoplastic polyurethane, and each outer layer is formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane and an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. You may utilize what was formed with the regrind material with a polymer. Another material suitable for the barrier 70 is a flexible microlayer membrane comprising alternating layers of gas barrier material and elastomeric material, as disclosed in US Pat. Still other suitable thermoplastic elastomer materials or films include polyurethanes, polyesters, polyester polyurethanes, and polyether polyurethanes, such as cast or extruded ester-based polyurethane films. Still other suitable materials are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, both are ester-based or ether-based products, PELLETHANE, a product of Dow Chemical Company, ELASTOLLAN, a product of BASF Corporation, and B.C. F. A number of thermoplastic urethanes may be used, such as Estane, a product of BF Goodrich Company. Furthermore, other thermoplastic urethanes such as polyester, polyether, polycaprolactone, and polycarbonate macrogel may be used, and various nitrogen blocking materials may be used. Further suitable materials include thermoplastic films containing the crystalline materials disclosed in Patent Documents 7 and 8, respectively, and polyurethanes containing polyester polyols disclosed in Patent Documents 9, 10 and 11 respectively. There is. The fluid accommodated in the chamber 60 may be any of the gases disclosed in Patent Document 12, such as hexafluoroethane and sulfur hexafluoride. The fluid may also include pressurized octafluoropropane, nitrogen, and air. The fluid pressure may vary, for example, from zero gauge pressure to 40 pounds per square inch.

  Various manufacturing methods such as a double needle bar Russell knitting process may be used for the tension member 80. Each of the first wall 81, the second wall 82, and the connecting member 83 was spun by an air bulky yarn or other method, such as false twisted yarn having a combination of nylon 6,6 and nylon 6, for example. You may form with a thread | yarn. The thickness of the tension member 80 may vary significantly within the scope of the present invention as measured when the connecting member 83 is in tension between the first wall 81 and the second wall 82. However, the thickness suitable for footwear applications may vary in the range of 2-15 mm. As described above, the individual elements of the tension member 80 exhibit different thicknesses to change the thickness of the chamber 60 in different regions.

  The connecting member 83 may have a denier per filament of about 1-20, with one suitable range being between 2-5. Individual tensile filaments with connecting members 83 may exhibit a tensile strength of about 2-10 g per denier, and the number of tensile filaments per yarn may vary from about 1-100. One suitable range is between 40-60. Generally, the number of yarns per tuft or strand is about 1-8, the tension members 60 are knitted with about 200-1000 tufts or strands per square inch of fabric, and one suitable range is 1 square Strands per inch are between 400 and 500. Therefore, the bulk density of the fabric is in the range of about 20,000 to 300,000 fibers per square inch denier.

  The connecting members 83 may be arranged in rows separated from each other by a gap. When the gap is used, the compressibility of the tension member 80 is enhanced as compared with the case where the tension member is formed of a double-walled cloth using continuous connecting yarns. The gap may be formed by dropping a connecting thread of a predetermined needle in the direction of the warp during the Russell knitting process of the double needle bar. When three stitches are inserted and three stitches are taken out and knitted, a suitable fabric is produced in which the rows of connecting members 83 are separated by gaps. Different knitting styles for putting in and out of needles may be used, such as putting two needles into two needles, putting four needles into two needles, putting two needles into four needles, or any combination thereof. In addition, the gap may be formed in both the vertical and horizontal directions by dropping the needle in the warp direction or by selectively knitting or not knitting in a continuous process.

  Various manufacturing methods may be used to manufacture the chamber 60. For example, the double membrane technique may be utilized when various elements of the tension member 80 are aligned and bonded onto the first barrier layer 71. The second barrier layer 72 is then adhered to the opposite surface of the various elements of the tension member 80. After adhering the tension member 80 to the barrier 70, a peripheral joint 73 and a flex joint 74 are formed. Thereafter, the chamber 60 may be pressurized. Or you may utilize the thermoforming process similar to the process currently disclosed by the said patent document 13. FIG. Alternatively, the tensile member 80 is aligned and bonded on the first barrier layer 71 and the second barrier layer 72 to form the peripheral joint 73, pressurize the chamber 60, and then form each bending joint 74.

  Other configurations of the sole 30 are shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, various elements of the tension member 80 are connected by a plurality of connecting portions 84. As previously described, the various elements of the tension member 80 may constitute regions of the chamber 60 that are in fluid communication with each other. The connecting portion 84 defines various fluid passages between the regions of the chamber 80. Although each element of the tension member 80 may be connected by the connecting portion 84, FIGS. 12 to 14 show a configuration in which the elements of the tension member 80 in the regions 11 to 13 are not connected by the connecting portion. . With this configuration, for example, the fluid pressure can be changed between the regions 11 to 13.

One of the advantages of the connecting portion 84 relates to manufacturing efficiency. As shown in FIGS. 8-11D, if the tension member 80 is comprised of a plurality of individual elements, the individual elements must be properly positioned relative to the barrier layers 71 and 72. The connecting portion 84 effectively interconnects the elements of the tension member 80 to form a large element that is easier to place than a plurality of small elements.
The specific structure of the chamber 60 described and illustrated above may vary greatly. For example, a chamber 60 containing a fiber tension member 80 is disclosed. Depending on the embodiment, the tension member 80 may be formed from a foam material or the tension member 80 may be absent. Forming a bond between the barrier layers 71 and 72 is an effective method for forming a bent zone in the chamber 60, but in some embodiments, the bent bond 74 may not be required. In other words, the bending zone of chamber 60 may be constituted by unjoined portions of layers 71 and 72. Thus, the chamber 60 may deviate from the structure disclosed above as long as it is within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the chamber 60 extends substantially the entire length of the footwear 10. However, in some embodiments, the chamber 60 may be limited to, for example, one of the regions 11-13 or one of the sides 14 and 15. Referring to FIG. 15, the chamber 60 is illustrated as having a configuration that is primarily disposed in the forefoot region 11 and some portions of the midsole region 12.

  FIG. 16 shows another footwear 10 'having an upper 20' and a sole 30 '. Upper 20 'is secured to sole 30' and may have any conventional or non-conventional configuration. The sole 30 'includes a midsole 32', an outsole 33 ', and a chamber 60'. Midsole 32 'is formed at least in part from a polymer foam, such as polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate, and at least partially includes chamber 60'. As shown in FIG. 17, the midsole 32 'includes a pair of regions 35a' and 35b 'separated by a bend line 36'. Region 35a 'forms the majority of midsole 32' and extends substantially the entire length of midsole 32 '. The region 35b 'is located, for example, at the corner behind the outer portion of the midsole 32' and is arranged to contact the rest of the midsole 32 'during running. The density of the foam material in the region 35b 'may be lower than the polymer foam material constituting the region 35a'. Bending line 36 'separates regions 35a' and 35b 'and forms a zone that allows region 35b' to rotate or bend relative to region 35a '.

  The chamber 60 'shown in FIGS. 18-20B is located at least partially within the midsole 32' and includes an outer barrier 70 'and a tension member 80'. The barrier 70 'may be formed from a polymeric material that is substantially impermeable to the pressurized fluid contained in the chamber 60'. The tension member 80 ′ may be formed from a pair of elements 85 a ′ and 85 b ′ and have a fiber structure similar to that of the tension member 80. Elements 85a 'and 85b' are separated from each other and a flex joint 76 'extends between elements 85a' and 85b '. The flex joint 76 'defines a flex region in the chamber 60' and is formed as a joint between the opposing surfaces of the barrier 70 '.

  The chamber 60 'is disposed on the midsole 32' such that the element 85a 'is disposed in the region 35a' and the element 85b 'is disposed in the region 35b'. As described above, bend line 36 'separates regions 35a' and 35b 'and forms a zone that allows region 35b' to rotate or bend relative to region 35a '. Similarly, bend joint 76 'separates regions of chamber 60' and allows these regions to bend relative to one another. Thus, the flex joint 76 'is aligned with the flex line 36' to facilitate the flexing of the sole 30 '.

  The chamber 60 and chamber 60 'described above and shown include a barrier 70 and a barrier 70', respectively, but both may be formed from two sheets of polymer material. In some embodiments, the chamber barrier may be composed of more than two layers. Referring to FIGS. 21-22B, there is shown a chamber 60 "formed from coextensive barrier layers 71", 72 "and 73", respectively. Barrier layers 71 "and 72" are joined together at various locations to define a flex joint 74 "having substantially the same configuration as sipes 52a-52l. That is, for example, when incorporated in the midsole 32, the various bending joints 74 '' correspond to the sipes 52a to 52l in position. As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 22A and 22B, barrier layers 72 "and 73" are bonded at various locations to define a bond 75 "that is offset from the flex bond 74". Also, all of the barrier layers 71 ″ to 73 ″ are bonded along the periphery of the chamber 60 ″ to form a peripheral bond 76 ″.

  The bent joint 74 of the chamber 60 defines a region where the entire thickness of the chamber 60 becomes a joint region between the opposing surfaces of the outer barrier 70. Therefore, the bending joint 74 may define a region where the effect of reducing the reaction force of the ground is thin. However, due to the region between the barrier layers 72 "and 73" in the chamber 60 ", the fluid is contained in the region associated with the flex junction 74". That is, each region of the chamber 60 ″ associated with the bending joint 74 ″ also provides an effect of reducing the ground reaction force by the fluid filling region between the barrier layers 72 ″ and 73 ″. Depending on the configuration, all three barrier layers 71 ″ to 73 ″ may be bonded at positions corresponding to the sipes 52a to 52l to give higher flexibility, and other bonds may be displaced. The effect of reducing the reaction force of the ground may be enhanced.

  The chamber 60 "is illustrated as forming a flex junction 74" between the barrier layers 71 "and 72". Depending on the embodiment, the joint 75 "may correspond to the sipes 52a-52l or a combination of the bent joints 74" and 75 "may correspond to the sipes 52a-52l. In other words, the chamber 60 ″ may have various configurations that impart bending corresponding to the bending zone in the sole.

  In FIGS. 23-24B, another embodiment in which the chamber barrier is comprised of more than two layers is shown as chamber 60 ′ ″, and each of the three coextensive barrier layers 71 ′ ″, 72 ′. '' And 73 '' '. Barrier layers 71 "" and 72 "" are joined together at various locations to define a plurality of joints 77 "" extending in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, barrier layers 72 ′ ″ and 73 ′ ″ are joined together at various locations to define a plurality of longitudinally extending junctions 78 ′ ″ that are offset from junction 77 ′ ″. ing. At various positions having substantially the same configuration as the sipes 52a-52l, the three barrier layers 71 '' ', 72' '' and 73 '' 'are all joined together to define a plurality of flex joints 74' ''. It is made. That is, for example, when incorporated in the midsole 32, various bending joints 74 "" correspond to the sipes 52a to 52l in position.

  Based on the above description, the fluid filled chamber may define various bending zones that facilitate bending or bending of the chamber. Further, a bending zone may be incorporated in the sole, and the bending zone of the chamber may be arranged so as to correspond to the bending zone of the sole, thereby increasing the flexibility of the entire sole. The bending zone of the chamber may be formed as a bond between the opposing surfaces or as a region where there are no tensile members or other elements.

  The invention has been disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various embodiments. However, the purpose of the present disclosure is to show an example of various features and concepts related to each aspect of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of each aspect of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1 is an exterior elevation view of footwear having a first sole according to aspects of the invention. FIG. It is an inside elevation view of the footwear. It is a top view of the footwear. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the footwear defined by the cut line 4A-4A in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the footwear defined by a cutting line 4B-4B in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a partial outer elevational view of the footwear in a bent configuration. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the first sole. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first sole defined by a cutting line 7A-7A in FIG. 6. It is sectional drawing of the said 1st sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 7B-7B in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the said 1st sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 7C-7C in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the said 1st sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 7D-7D in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the said 1st sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 7E-7E in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the said 1st sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 7F-7F in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the said 1st sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 7G-7G in FIG. It is a perspective view of the 2nd sole. It is a disassembled perspective view of a said 2nd sole. It is a top view of the 2nd sole. It is sectional drawing of the said 2nd sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 11A-11A in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the said 2nd sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 11B-11B in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the said 2nd sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 11C-11C in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the said 2nd sole prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 11D-11D in FIG. It is a perspective view of the 3rd sole. It is a disassembled perspective view of the said 3rd sole. It is a top view of the 3rd sole. It is a top view of another chamber structure. FIG. 10 is an outer elevational view of footwear having a fourth sole. It is a model bottom view of the said 4th sole. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fluid filling chamber of the fourth sole. It is a top view of the chamber. It is sectional drawing of the said chamber prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 20A-20A in FIG. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber defined by section line 20B-20B in FIG. It is a top view of other chamber composition. It is sectional drawing of the said chamber prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 22A-22A in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the said chamber prescribed | regulated by the cutting line 22B-22B in FIG. It is a top view of another chamber structure. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber defined by section line 24A-24A in FIG. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber defined by section line 24B-24B in FIG.

Claims (22)

Footwear having an upper (skin part) and a sole structure fixed to the upper,
The sole structure comprises a midsole element and a fluid filled chamber;
The midsole element defines a first midsole portion and a second midsole portion separated by a midsole flexion zone, wherein the first midsole portion is the second midsole zone in the midsole flexion zone. of rotatable relative to the midsole section, the midsole flexion zone Ri sipes (narrow grooves) der which extends over at least one half of the distance to the top surface from the bottom surface of the midsole element, The midsole element defines a recess in the upper surface ;
The fluid filling chamber is disposed in the recess and has a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion separated by a chamber bending zone, the first chamber portion being the chamber bending portion. Rotatable relative to the second chamber part in the zone;
The first chamber portion is coupled to the first midsole portion, the second chamber portion is coupled to the second midsole portion, and the chamber bending zone is the midsole bending portion. Aligned with the zone,
At least one first portion of the midsole bending zone and at least one first portion of the chamber bending zone extend in a longitudinal direction of the footwear, and a plurality of second portions of the midsole bending zone. The footwear, wherein the portion and the plurality of second portions of the chamber flex zone extend between an inner portion and an outer portion of the footwear.   The footwear according to claim 1, wherein a tension member is disposed in each of the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion. The footwear according to claim 2 , wherein the tension member is at least partially absent from the chamber bending zone. The footwear according to claim 2 , wherein opposing surfaces of the first chamber part and the second chamber part are joined to each other in the chamber bending zone. The footwear according to claim 2 , wherein the tension member is a fiber material. The footwear according to claim 2 , wherein the individual elements of the tension member are arranged in both the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion. Footwear according to claim 6 , characterized in that a connecting part extends between the individual elements. Footwear having an upper and a sole structure fixed to the upper,
The sole structure comprises a midsole element and a chamber;
The midsole element is at least partially formed from a polymer foam material and extends upward from a lower surface of the midsole element into the polymer foam material to form a midsole bend line in the midsole element. The sipe defines a plurality of individually separated sole elements separated by the sipe , and a recess is defined on an upper surface of the midsole element.
The chamber is disposed in the recess and is joined to one another along the periphery of the chamber, opposite the first surface that defines a peripheral bond and seals fluid in the chamber. And an outer barrier having a second surface, wherein the chamber includes a plurality of internal joints wherein the first surface is joined to the second surface, at least a portion of the internal joints being at least part of the sipe. It corresponds to some locations,
The sipe is
A first sipe facing in the longitudinal direction of the footwear and extending over at least a portion of the length of the sole structure;
A plurality of second sipes extending laterally from the inner side to the outer side of the sole structure;
The chamber has a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion separated by a chamber bending zone;
At least one first portion of the chamber bending zone extends in the longitudinal direction of the footwear, and a plurality of second portions of the chamber bending zone are between the inner and outer portions of the footwear. Footwear characterized by extending to. The internal joint is
A first joint oriented in the longitudinal direction and disposed on an upper side of the first sipe;
9. Footwear according to claim 8 , characterized in that it includes a second joint extending in the lateral direction and arranged on the upper side of the second sipe. The footwear according to claim 8 , wherein the chamber includes a plurality of tension member elements disposed above the sole element. The footwear according to claim 10 , wherein the tension member element is not present at least in a region including the internal joint in the chamber. The footwear according to claim 10 , wherein a connecting portion extends between the tension member elements. The footwear according to claim 10 , wherein the tension element is made of a fiber material. At least one of the internal junction is characterized in that to prevent the said fluid passes between the first region and the second region of the chamber of the chamber, according to claim 8 footwear. 9. Footwear according to claim 8 , wherein at least one of the internal joints makes the first region of the chamber in fluid communication with the second region of the chamber. Footwear having an upper and a sole structure fixed to the upper,
The sole structure comprises a midsole element and a sealed fluid filled chamber;
The midsole element includes a plurality of sole elements and a connection portion, and the sole element extends downward from the connection portion and includes a plurality of sipes extending upward from the lower surface of the midsole element into the sole structure. Separated,
The plurality of sipes are:
A first sipe oriented longitudinally relative to the footwear and extending over at least a portion of the length of the sole structure;
A plurality of second sipes extending laterally from the inner part to the outer part of the sole structure;
The sealed fluid filled chamber is disposed on an upper surface of the midsole element and has an outer barrier having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the chamber comprising:
A first joint oriented in the longitudinal direction and disposed on an upper side of the first sipe;
A plurality of second joints extending in a lateral direction and disposed on an upper side of the plurality of second sipes,
The chamber has a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion separated by a chamber bending zone;
At least one first portion of the chamber bending zone extends in the longitudinal direction of the footwear, and a plurality of second portions of the chamber bending zone are between the inner and outer portions of the footwear. Footwear characterized by extending to. Said chamber is characterized by being located within the recess of the upper surface the midsole element Footwear according to claim 1 6. Said chamber is characterized by comprising a plurality of tension members elements located on the upper side of the sole element, Footwear according to claim 1 6. Wherein the connecting portion extends between the tension member elements, Footwear according to claim 1 8. The tension member elements are characterized by being formed from a fibrous material, Footwear according to claim 1 8. At least one of said junction, characterized in that to prevent the said fluid passes between the second region of the chamber and the first region of the chamber, Footwear according to claim 1 6 . At least one of said junction, characterized in that to pass the second region in fluid communication with said chamber a first region of said chamber, Footwear according to claim 1 6.

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